So you have assembled a great sustainable design team with the best intentions, but do they have a deep understanding of the project’s place and its ecological, social and economic context? A few years ago, I was asked to develop the sustainability strategy for a large government precinct development in outer Melbourne. My first step was to ask permission to visit the site and talk with members of the
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Walls are meant to keep out rising seas — but that water still has to go somewhere. New modeling shows it could well end up flooding your neighbors.
A green bank is helping make communities healthier, more resilient, and more equitable in the face of climate change
Construction, Development & Real Estate, Environment & Climate
Homes and larger structures contribute significantly to global warming. According to a recent US EPA report, the commercial and residential building sector generated 11% of the total US greenhouse gas emissions in 2016. A Canadian government paper cited 2015 statistics showing buildings contributed 12% of Canada’s total annual greenhouse gas emissions.
...Construction, Development & Real Estate, Eco-Innovation, Environment & Climate
Engineers from Purdue University have created what is claimed to be the whitest paint yet, in an effort to curb global warming. The researchers say that coating buildings with the new paint formulation may one day cool them off enough to reduce the need for air conditioning. “If you were to use this paint to cover a roof area of about 1000 square feet, we estimate that you could get a cooling power of 10 kW.
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… and that could be really good for the climate.
Beulah’s Paragon tower in Melbourne’s CBD will be home to one of the largest vertical solar panel systems in Australia. b.energy was appointed to design, construct, operate and maintain the 128 panels installed on the core walls of the tower, which are set to outperform similar developments in terms of emissions reduction, cost reduction and green energy sustainability. The 42 kW system
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Professional services company Jacobs has joined Smart Cities Council Australia New Zealand (SCCANZ) to support action and investment in digital solutions that advance sustainability outcomes in our cities, towns and communities. SCCANZ is reported to be the world’s largest network of smart cities practitioners and policymakers. With Jacobs becoming a member company, SCCANZ Executive Director
...Computers & Electronics, Construction, Development & Real Estate
How cannabis can be part of an affordable housing future — not just one for eco-conscious elites.
When I returned to the office after having my first child, I noticed for the first time that all of the offices and conference rooms either had windows or non-locking doors, which left me without any safe spaces for pumping. Fortunately, I work for a supportive company that requested modification from building management to convert a small conference room to a part-time pumping room. Shortly thereafter, the
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